High school students to represent Brisbane on the world stage

High school students will now have the chance to represent Brisbane as International Student Ambassadors for the first time in the program’s history.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk welcomed four new students, aged 16 and 17, to their new roles at the 23rd Lord Mayor’s International Student Friendship Ceremony in City Hall today.

Brisbane currently has 40 higher-education international student ambassadors from 34 countries whose role is to share their experiences of studying and living in Brisbane via social media platforms to their peers, families and prospective students back home.

Cr Quirk said extending the ambassador scheme to high school-level students was a natural extension of the program.

“We want prospective students and their families overseas to know that Brisbane not only offers world-class higher education institutions, but is the place where students can successfully complete their secondary studies as well,” he said.

“Brisbane provides a supportive and stable environment that encourages international high school-level students to exceed at their studies, helping them prepare for higher education and the careers of their choice.”

Cr Quirk officiated at the Lord Mayor’s International Student Friendship Ceremony, which re-affirmed the city’s support to the 600 students who attended.

“Today’s ceremony celebrates the diversity of Brisbane, its multi-cultural strengths and the importance we place on education and learning,” he said.

“This day is important because so many students from around the world have chosen to study here in Brisbane – helping to foster understanding between us and their home countries and re-affirming our friendship.

“It’s also an acknowledgement that these students are here in Brisbane to realise their dreams and ambitions for the future.”

Brisbane welcomes 75,000 international students each year from more than 150 nations.

The city puts out the welcome mat to international students through the Study Brisbane program.

Facilitated by Brisbane Marketing, Study Brisbane works with universities, state and private schools, vocational education training providers, English language colleges and accommodation providers to position Brisbane as a destination of choice for international students.

The new high school-level Brisbane International Student Ambassadors are:

Brisbane, Australia, is a thriving multicultural city and successful host of the 2014 G20 Leaders Summit. A global hub in scientific innovation, mining and resources, technology, education, meetings and incentives and cultural attractions, Brisbane is committed to strengthening international trade and commerce.